AQA GCSE Geography Paper 3, June 2025: Question 4
16 marks · Medium difficulty · Short Answer
Answer questions evaluating and analysing data from unfamiliar fieldwork contexts including a river investigation, a visitor travel survey using a desire line map, and a shopping centre survey.
Practise this questionQuestion
Question text
As part of a river investigation a group of students wanted to assess the relationship
between the width and maximum depth of a local river. The students collected data
from six sites along the river (A–F).
Figure 4 shows the results from this part of the students’ investigation.
Figure 4
F
A
C D
E
B
0 200 m Direction of flow of the river
Site Width of river (cm) Maximum depth of river (cm)
A 180 24
B 342 42
C 210 31
D 258 34
E 320 39
F 370 46
Data collected 24 June 2024
04.1 What is the straight-line distance from Site A to Site F?
[1 mark]
… metres
04.2 The students used the following table to help them analyse their primary data.
Complete the table by adding:
the mean width of the river
the range of the maximum depth of the river.
[2 marks]
Width of river Maximum depth of river
(cm) (cm)
Mean 36
(10)
Range 190
04.3 The students wanted to analyse the relationship between the width and maximum
depth of the river.
Which one of the following presentation methods would be helpful to them?
Shade one circle only.
[1 mark]
A Flow-line map
B Isoline map
C Pie chart
D Scattergraph
04.4 What conclusions can the students make about the relationship between the width
and maximum depth of the river?
[2 marks]
04.5 Suggest two ways that the river investigation could be adapted to allow the students
to collect more useful data. 8
[2 marks]
(11)1 …
2 …
A group of students investigated visitor travel to a small town within a National Park.
The students asked 20 people the following questions (Figure 5).
Figure 5
Question 1 – What type of transport did you use to get here?
Question 2 – Where did you come from to visit the town?
Study Figure 6, data from Question 1.
Figure 6
What type of transport did you use to get here?
Type of transport Number of people
Car
Bus
Motorcycle
Bicycle
0 4(12).6Using Figure 6, how many people said they travelled to the town by car?
[1 mark]
For Question 2 the students asked the 20 people where they had come from to visit
the town. They presented this information on a desire line map (Figure 7).
Figure 7
N
(13)
Key
Each line represents
one person
05 10 15 20 km
Town
04.7 Complete the desire line map (Figure 7) by adding the following information from
one visitor.
[2 marks]
Direction travelled from South east
Distance travelled 20 km
04.8 Suggest one additional question the students could use to collect information for
their investigation.
[1 mark]
Students carried out an investigation to compare the quality of two local shopping
centres (X and Y).
Study Figure 8, the data collected by the students.
Figure 8
(14)Shopping centre survey
Five people (A–E) were interviewed in each of two shopping centres (X and Y).
Each person was asked to rate a number of factors using the following scale:
3 = Excellent
2 = Good
1 = Poor
Shopping centre X Shopping centre Y
People A B C D E A B C D E
Quality of shops 3 2 3 1 2 2 3 2 2 2
Variety of shops 2 2 2 1 1 3 3 2 1 1
Range of services 2 1 2 1 1 3 3 2 2 2
Seating/landscaping 3 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 2
Car parking 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 2 2 2
04.9 To what extent are the students able to make reliable conclusions about the quality
of the two shopping centres from the data in Figure 8?
[4 marks]
Mark scheme
Show the mark scheme
Total
Qu Pt Marking guidance
marks
04 1 What is the straight-line distance from Site A to Site F? 1
580–620 (metres)
AO4 – 1 mark
04 2 The students used the following table to help them analyse their primary 2
data.
Complete the table by adding:
• the mean width of the river
• the range of the maximum depth of the river.
The mean width of the river: 280
The range of the maximum depth of the river: 22
AO4 – 2 marks
04 3 The students wanted to analyse the relationship between the width and 1
maximum depth of the river.
Which one of the following presentation methods would be helpful to
them?
One mark for the correct answer.
D – Scattergraph
No credit if two or more statements are shaded.
AO4 – 1 mark
04 4 What conclusions can the students make about the relationship between 2
the width and maximum depth of the river?
1 mark – General relationship is positive/width and depth increase
1 mark – Use of data to express the relationship (not just quoting data)
1 mark – Considering any potential anomalies (Site B is a sequence anomaly)
1 mark – Observation about the difficulty of drawing conclusions with
limited data
1 mark - Suggestion that lateral/vertical erosion is occurring– – –
AO3 – 2 marks
04 5 Suggest two ways that the river investigation could be adapted to allow 2
the students to collect more useful data.
2 x 1 mark
Any reasonable point which clearly relates to the existing data and is
16 appropriate in relation to the aim of the investigation.
Points might include:
• More data collection points/smaller or larger intervals
• Use a different type of sampling eg systematic
• Longer stretch of the river
• Different times/seasons/days
• Repeated readings at each site
• Different weather conditions
• More accurate equipment
• Other appropriate data collection methods (photographs/field sketches)
• Sediment sampling (affecting depth)/velocity/discharge measurements
• Collect data on straighter part of the river’s course (as well as meanders)
No credit for suggesting that another river should be investigated
AO4 – 2 marks
04 6 Using Figure 6, how many people said they travelled to the town by car? 1
– – –
AO4 – 1 mark
04 7 Complete the desire line map (Figure 7) by adding the following 2
information from one visitor.
Direction travelled from – South east
Distance travelled – 20 km
Direction and distance completed (1 mark for direction and 1 mark for distance)
Direction (125–145 degrees)
Distance (18–22 km)
Cone indicates acceptable limits for direction and distance. No credit if line is
outside limits of the cone.
– – –
AO4 – 2 marks
04 8 Suggest one additional question the students could use to collect 1
information for their investigation.
Question must relate in some way (directly/indirectly) to the investigation which
is about visitor travel.
Question must not revisit existing questions (mode of transport/where you
came from)
Possible ideas:
• How long it took (to reach the destination)
• How much it cost
• How many people in a car
• Question about parking
• How long you are staying (which might relate to mode of transport)
18 • How often you visit/have you visited previously? (which might relate to mode
of transport)
• Why you visit (which might relate to mode of transport).– – –
AO4 – 1 mark
04 9 To what extent are the students able to draw reliable conclusions about 4
the quality of the two shopping centres from the data in Figure 8?
Level Marks Description
2 3–4 AO3 – Clear evaluation of the effectiveness of the
(Clear) data collection method linked to reliability of
conclusions. Or clear analysis of the data (Figure 8)
in reaching a reliable judgement about the quality of
the two shopping centres.
AO4 – Clear use/implied use of data in Figure 8
(both totals and individual factors) to reach a reliable
judgement.
1 1–2 AO3 – Limited evaluation of the effectiveness of the
(Basic) data collection method linked to reliability of
conclusions. Or limited analysis of the data (Figure
8) and makes a largely unsubstantiated judgement
about the two shopping centres.
AO4 – Basic use/implied use of data in Figure 8.
0 No relevant content.
Level 2 (Clear) - Responses may either evaluate the extent to which reliable
conclusions can be drawn or may analyse the data to make a clear evaluative
judgement about the quality of the two shopping centres.
Level 1 (Basic) - Responses may either make a limited evaluation of the
extent to which reliable conclusions can be drawn or make limited use of the
data to make a simple judgement about the quality of the shopping centres
Indicative content
• the extent that reliable conclusions can be drawn may be limited by sample
size.
• the survey is subjective and based on personal opinion/ results biased by
one opinion (Shopping centre X – Person D)
• people interviewed may not be local 19
• scoring scale is too narrow/default value is 2
• there are other factors that might be considered when assessing the quality
of the shopping centres eg range of criteria is limited, use of primary vs
secondary data
• one is better than the other (Y has three areas higher)
• there is not much difference (only car parking is very different)
• the judgement may be based on individual needs (car parking)
• without car parking the totals are fairly similar (36 and 42)
AO3 – 2 marks
AO4 – 2 marks
How to answer it
Paper 3: Geographical Applications & Fieldwork Skills
This 9-part question assesses unfamiliar fieldwork methodologies, cartographic skills, numerical data processing, and critical evaluation (AO3 and AO4). You need to know how to measure distance using graphic scales, calculate basic statistics (mean and range), select appropriate data presentation techniques (scattergraphs, desire lines), interpret tally charts, and critically evaluate the reliability and limitations of primary survey data.
Map Skills: Measuring Straight-Line Distance
1 Mark • AO4
✅ Correct Answer Range
580 to 620 metres (Any value within this range is awarded 1 mark).
🧠 Exam Technique: Using Graphic Scales
- Place a straight edge of paper linking the center of Site A to Site F.
- Mark both points accurately on your paper.
- Compare this distance directly against the graphic linear scale bar (where the segment shown represents 200 m).
- Multiply the intervals to get the full distance in metres.
Data Analysis: Calculating Mean and Range
2 Marks • AO4
📐 Step-by-Step Calculations
1. Mean Width of River:
- Sum of widths: 180 + 342 + 210 + 258 + 320 + 370 = 1680 cm
- Divide by number of sites (6): 1680 / 6 = 280 cm
- Mean width = 280
2. Range of Maximum Depth:
- Highest value = 46 cm (Site F)
- Lowest value = 24 cm (Site A)
- Range = 46 - 24 = 22 cm
- Range of depth = 22
❌ Common Errors & Pitfalls
- Adding all rows: Accidentally dividing by 5 instead of 6 sites.
- Mixing up columns: Calculating the range of width instead of depth (the table already gave 190 for width range).
- Misidentifying extremes: Overlooking Site B (42 cm) or mistaking Site D (34 cm) for the lowest/highest.
Data Presentation Choice
1 Mark • AO4
✅ Correct Option
D – Scattergraph
💡 Why Scattergraph?
The students are investigating the relationship between two continuous numerical variables (width and depth). A scattergraph is the standard geographical method used to show correlation or links between two paired sets of data.
Forming Conclusions from Primary River Data
2 Marks • AO3
✅ Creditworthy Points (Choose Two)
- General relationship: There is a positive relationship / as river width increases, maximum depth also increases.
- Use of data: Depth increases from 24 cm at Site A (width 180 cm) up to 46 cm at Site F (width 370 cm).
- Identifying anomalies: Site B is an anomaly (it is unusually wide at 342 cm and deep at 42 cm compared to adjacent sites C and D).
- Limitation observation: Difficult to form a definitive conclusion because of the small sample size (only 6 sites).
- Geographical process: Suggests that erosion (lateral/vertical) increases downstream.
🧠 Exam Technique: "Relationship" Questions
Never simply quote numbers without stating the pattern. First state the direction of the relationship (positive/direct), then back it up by comparing two sites or pointing out a clear anomaly like Site B.
Adapting the River Investigation
2 Marks • AO4
💡 Ways to Adapt for More Useful Data
- Sample size & spacing: Sample more sites at smaller, regular intervals (systematic sampling).
- Extend reach: Investigate a longer stretch of the river (e.g. from source to mouth).
- Temporal changes: Collect data at different times of the year/seasons, or after heavy rainfall events.
- Repeated trials: Take repeat depth readings across the channel cross-section to calculate mean depth.
- Additional variables: Measure river velocity (flowmeter/floats) or sediment bedload size/roundness to link to discharge.
❌ Examiner Warning
No credit is given for suggesting that the students should go to "another river". The question asks how this investigation can be adapted.
Reading Tally Charts
1 Mark • AO4
✅ Correct Answer
14
🧠 Quick Check
The tally row for Car shows two completed bundles of 5 (卌 卌) plus 4 individual strokes (||||):
5 + 5 + 4 = 14 .
Completing a Desire Line Map
2 Marks • AO4
✅ Required Drawing Criteria
- Mark 1 (Direction): Line drawn from the central point towards the South East (acceptable bearing tolerance: 125° to 145°).
- Mark 2 (Length/Distance): Line drawn to represent exactly 20 km using the graphic scale at the bottom right (acceptable range: 18 km to 22 km).
🧠 Diagram Description for Revision
To draw this accurately: find the central dot ("Town"). South East is halfway between South and East (bottom-right diagonal). Measure the length of the 20 km bar on the scale with a ruler, then draw a straight line from the town towards the south-east matching that exact length.
Designing Survey Questions
1 Mark • AO4
✅ Suitable Additional Questions
- "How long did your journey take to get here?"
- "How much did your travel/parking cost?"
- "Why did you choose this mode of transport?"
- "How many people were in your vehicle?" (Vehicle occupancy)
- "Where do you plan to park while visiting?"
❌ Common Misconceptions
Do not re-ask where they came from or what transport they used. The question must add fresh, relevant data to an investigation on visitor travel.
Evaluating Survey Data Reliability
4 Marks • AO3 (2 marks) + AO4 (2 marks)
💡 Mark Scheme Level Descriptors
- Level 2 (3–4 marks): Clear evaluation of the data collection method linked directly to reliability, supported by clear analysis/use of data from Figure 8 (individual categories or total scores). Reaches a balanced judgement.
- Level 1 (1–2 marks): Basic/limited evaluation of reliability or basic quoting of data without clear interpretation. Unsubstantiated judgement.
🧠 Model Answer Structure
1. Limitations of the methodology (AO3):
- The sample size is far too small (only 5 people, A–E, at each centre), making generalizations unreliable.
- Scores are highly subjective (ratings 1–3 are personal opinions). For example, Person D gave Centre X straight 1s, which significantly skews results.
2. Evidence from Figure 8 data (AO4):
- Total scores show Centre Y is perceived as slightly better (Y scores 54 total vs X which scores 39 total).
- The biggest difference is in car parking (X scores only 5/15; Y scores 12/15). For other factors like quality of shops, they are very similar (X = 10, Y = 11).
3. Conclusion / Evaluative Judgement:
Students can only draw conclusions to a limited extent because the survey lacks representative sampling, even though clear patterns in parking satisfaction emerge.
❌ Where Students Lose Marks
- Only copying numbers: Simply reading out the table without adding up totals or identifying bias.
- Ignoring the prompt: Forgetting to state "to what extent" the data is reliable.
- Missing the outlier: Failing to spot that Person D at Centre X rated every single factor as '1' (Poor), showing extreme individual bias.
Topics
3.3 Geographical applications · 3.4 Geographical skills · 3.3.2 Section B: Fieldwork · 3.4.1 Cartographic skills · 3.4.2 Graphical skills · 3.4.3 Numerical skills · 3.4.4 Statistical skills
Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE Geography examination, Paper 3, June 2025. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.